Overview & Reviews

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG -- or, in English, Bavarian Motor Works. Whatever you call it, the German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

Founded in Munich, the company began in the early 1910s as an aircraft manufacturer. BMW's current logo, designed to represent white propeller blades against a blue sky, reflects these origins; its blue-and-white color scheme also references Bavaria's blue-and-white checkered flag.

It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile, the Dixi. The car proved tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer weather the Depression. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that racked up more than 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, with several racing, rallying and hill climb victories.

The early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501, a roomy, voluptuous sedan that was resplendent with all of the hopefulness of that era. It was soon followed by the 502, which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8, foreshadowing BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology. The best-selling BMW of that decade was the Isetta, a petite two-seat "microcar" typically powered by a 12- or 13-horsepower engine. The mid-'50s also saw the debut of the limited production and breathtakingly beautiful 507 sports car, which had an alloy body and used the 502's V8 for propulsion. In the 1960s, BMW sales strengthened significantly, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500, a sporty family sedan.

By the 1970s, BMW was establishing itself as a full-fledged car company. It was a pioneer for many emerging technologies, including turbocharging and advanced vehicle electronics. BMW of North America was established at that time, and consumers who coveted both sports and luxury cars became loyal "Bimmer" owners. The '70s also saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the compact 3 Series, midsize 5 Series and large 7 Series cars and the creation of its performance M division. Though the 3 Series could be had with four-cylinder power, it was the company's inline-6 engines that developed BMW's reputation for spirited, yet highly refined performance. At decade's end, the limited production, short-lived M1 supercar debuted.

Throughout the 1980s, BMW became the unofficial poster car of yuppies, as the brand ostensibly signified one's financial success as well as a passion for driving. The elegant 6 Series coupe debuted, and the latter part of the decade saw the high-performance M division working its magic on various production models.

In the early 1990s, BMW replaced the 6 Series with the powerful (V12-powered at first) but heavy 8 Series grand touring coupe. A bit later, BMW introduced its popular Z3 roadster. The company also opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the latter half of the 1990s.

The 2000s brought a midsize SUV (the X5) as well as a compact SUV (the X3) as BMW joined the hot-selling segment. Since then, BMW has replaced the Z3 with the Z4, introduced the compact 1 Series, produced hybrid versions of a few models and debuted the X6 fastback crossover. The company has also expanded its empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce and continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s.

BMW's famous advertising slogan describes each of its vehicles as "the ultimate driving machine," and it's not mere hyperbole. Over the past couple of decades, BMWs have become the standard for performance and luxury in most of the "over $30,000" segments. With family-friendly wagons, crisp sedans, distinctive coupes, nimble sports cars and spacious SUVs offered, BMW's model roster is diverse. But its vehicles all share a common characteristic: the ability to make drivers feel gloriously connected to the road.

User Reviews:

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  Amazing - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Ian - November 19 - 6:00 pm

  This car is literally amazing, its fast, fun, and extremely luxurious. Its especially fun for long car drives because you never want to leave your seat.

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  Smile on my face - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By gillopez - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. Its by far the most incredible hunk of stylish metal you can possibly drive. If youre old and boring, drive the S-Class... if you still like to have fun get this car. The car has many computer-related problems (thanks Microsoft) so if you have patience, buy the car!

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  325I Rocket - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By rrvaughn - November 18 - 10:00 am

  No problems to date. Best car Ive ever owned! Love to drive again, buy one of these babys.

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  1995 BMW 325is - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By scotty mo - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Orig owner with 88k mi this car has been a pleasure to drive/own. Ive had some minor problems with car, but overall its been a great car. Amazingly after nearly 8 yrs of ownership i still get a few compliments on this car

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  fantastic all around - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By ginzoes - November 18 - 2:00 am

  when a company allows the factory warranty to remain withe carirregardless of #of owners,its plain to see a car company that believes in their product!

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  Best used car value anywhere - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By G. Wolfe - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first e34 body style on Ebay because it was too cheap to pass up. It turned out to be the best car I had ever owned. The car had 135K and ran like a new car. The handling was indescribable. The car was totaled in an accident and it saved my 1yr. old and I from serious injury. I now have a 1995 540i Sport and would not give it up for a million bucks. (Actually yes I would)

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  Not your typical wagon - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By AE - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 525i for a wagon for more room. One of the best handling and performing cars even in a wagon! The controls and build are solid and well placed. I get between 25-28 mpg on the highway fully loaded with kids. The rear wheel drive layout is perfectly matched to the smooth six. You dont even feel the transmission changing gears as you do in American cars. Everything feels solid about the car.

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  318 analysis - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By David Bodiford - November 17 - 2:00 am

  i have a 318is. it is old but with bmw that means nothing as long as it has been maintained correctly. i have been very pleased with how it handles in all weather. it drives sporty but with class.

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  BMW 740iL 1997 Fan - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By davethrea - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful to drive. Maintenance is pricey.

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  Fun little car - 2002 BMW Z3
  By 325i,Z2.5i - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun little car. Minimalists dream car. Raw at its best. Watch out. Cops gonna get you. already got a ticket after 2 weeks.